The term on this contract is incredibly interesting given some of the long, long-term options that were out there, but the Red Wings have to get Henrik Zetterberg and others' names on contracts after this season and weren't in a position to offer a behemoth deal.

So much for Hossa following the money, however, as he's chasing a Cup with this contract. There's something to be said for going to a perennial contender, and Detroit's certainly that.

Tyler Dellow and I were discussing the Hossa rumours last night, and he seemed to think the Oilers were the favourites. I'm sure they were in the running with the cash they were offering, especially given how few teams could afford a $7.5-million to $9-million contract at this point.

I said that Detroit had cash and was in the mix, and that they'd be a pretty appealing option if he wanted to win. Edmonton, perhaps not.

It's worth noting that this contract would have been perfect for the Penguins.

As someone has already pointed out in the comments, the one-year deal means Hossa will again be a UFA next summer, and after a strong year in Detroit, he could command a huge payday.

There's also the angle that Hossa's "counting numbers" will improve with a season in Detroit. The goals and assists will undoubtedly rebound, and Hossa's plus/minus will look a lot better too. If there was a frenzy to sign him this year, imagine next summer. Whatever money he may have left on the table this year will be dwarfed by the size of the deal he gets next summer.

Every since Hossa was traded to Pittsburgh, I kept thinking "why would he possibly leave Pittsburgh? Where else could he get a chance to play on such a talented team with such a good chance of winning a Cup?"

Never really thought about Detroit, so now I know! And very smart to go for a 1-year deal, cause even if he doesnt have a great season, he will likely have the same type of frenzy next year.

Detroit did it last time over ten years ago, so they'll automatically do it again after adding Hossa? I wouldn't bet against it (actually I would given the right odds, but that's outside the point), the chance isn't as great as you may think.

The 2002 Cup winning Red Wings were very much the same as 2003 Red Wings, except that Joseph and Zetterberg were added. Did they repeat?

Hossa almost certainly signed this deal against the advice of his agent. By turning down a long term contract, he is taking a huge risk. If he suffers a career ending injury, he gets nothing after this year. Of course, he should have enough money to live on for the rest of his life even now, but nontheless it is surprising, and refreshing, to see an athlete make a decision like this.

Wow! I dont want to get too excited as I did for the Tigers, but Detroit is looking strong. Team chemistry is going to be the most important thing at this point. Red Wings teams may have had too much talent.

Wow, a one year deal. It was obvious that's what the Wings wanted, but I didn't think they had a chance of getting anyone to agree to that, let alone Hossa.

The 2003 Red Wings were mostly the same team, but they were an old team that got one year older. And they lost a pretty decent coach, too. These Wings are still a relatively old team, but nothing like back then. Of course, it's not likely they'll repeat (there are 30 teams, half with a realistic chance of winning, and 6-7 with a good chance), but I think Detroit has a better chance of winning the Cup than any other single team.

The second I said that, I had to check the NHLNumbers website to make sure they didn't have the cap space to still do that.

Unless Sundin takes a massive paycut to 2 million a year, not happening.

Anyways, interesting to look at the value of this contract. 7.4 million dollars. Nicklas Lidstrom makes 7.45 million. Now I wonder if there's a glass celing in terms of annual salary in Detroit (i.e. NO ONE makes more money than #5)?

Once again, that organization leaves me in awe. Next step will be the below-market-value extension that Zetterberg will accept. You know it's coming folks....

Ken Holland talked about the "glass ceiling" on OTR today. According to him Hossa wanted >$7.5 mil on a 1-yr deal, which would have broken the promise he made to Lidstrom to be the highest-paid player on the team.

He said he would contact Nick to run the idea by him, but Hossa came back and said not to bother, he'd sign for $7.4 mil.

Holland also said they won't sign anybody Sundin or any other FA's, they are done for this off-season.

The rich get richer. It is interesting that Detroit has so many great players, some through the draft, and some through free agency, while other teams who spend equally, or spend more, seem to just plug along not getting anywhere really.

Quote:"Ken Holland talked about the "glass ceiling" on OTR today. According to him Hossa wanted >$7.5 mil on a 1-yr deal, which would have broken the promise he made to Lidstrom to be the highest-paid player on the team.

He said he would contact Nick to run the idea by him, but Hossa came back and said not to bother, he'd sign for $7.4 mil."

Wow, twist that knife a little deeper into the gut of the Pens... I love it.

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About Me

A sportswriter at The Globe and Mail, James covers the NHL and the game of hockey. He is a member of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, a radio and TV analyst with TSN and was the NHL network manager at SB Nation from 2008 to 2010. A graduate of Thompson Rivers and Ryerson universities, James grew up in Kamloops, B.C. — one of Canada's great hockey cities — and was a season ticket holder in the Blazers' glory years.

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